10 Hollywood Supporting Actors Outshines the Lead Actors

Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter – The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Anthony Hopkins is well-known for its versatile acting in various different avatars. However, his portrayal of Hannibal Lecter can give anybody a shiver through the spine as he plays the famous cannibal and serial killer in the American history. The finesse in his portrayal is so enticing that nobody can actually believe that he could be a serial killer but as the movie progresses and by each scene involving Hannibal Lecter, you realize how cruel and dangerous the man could be. Although he gets the screen space in 1/5th of the film, he makes a mark with his soft pitch voice and curious eyes.

Melissa McCarthy as Megan Price – Bridesmaids (2011)

Bridesmaids is a 2011 comedy film about two best friends, one of them is soon to be bride Lillian played by Maya Rudolph while the other is Annie Walker played by Kristen Wiig, who is asked to be her best friend’s Maid of Honor. Although the whole movie revolves around Annie Walker’s character’s personal life and her responsibilities as the Maid of Honor, there’s another character of Megan Price played by Melissa McCarthy that keeps you busy with her antics throughout the film. Despite being just another character in the film in support of the lead actors, McCarthy is successful in making her presence felt in this 2011 hit romantic comedy.

Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly – The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

The Devil Wears Prada is a comedy drama film starring Annie Hathaway in the lead roles as Andrea Sachs, an ambitious college graduate, who comes to New York with big dreams and starts her journey becoming the co-assistant of powerful fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly played by Meryl Streep. Although the movie is about Andrea, the ruthless and arrogant character of Miranda Priestly steals the show. The popularity of her performance can be determined from the fact that many such bossy women characters were based on Miranda Priestly.

Christian Bale as Dicky Eklund – The Fighter (2010)

If you have watched the 2010 biographical sports drama film The Fighter, then you must have also longed for a big brother like Dicky Eklund from the movie. Played by none other than our favorite Batman, Christian Bale, the character of Dicky is quite inspirational as he pushes his younger brother hard towards becoming the champion fighter he failed to be. The film is also interesting as it shows the relationship course of two brothers, how they bond, and then part ways and in the end gets united for a common cause. Bale received an Academy Award for his portrayal of the mentor brother in this 2010 sports drama. The Fighter is one of the Best Boxing Movies ever.

Heath Ledger as The Joker – The Dark Knight (2008)

If you are an avid Hollywood fan like me, then you must be wondering why is Heath Ledger’s Joker last on the list. Well, I just love to save the best for the last. Also, the character portrayal of The Joker by Heath Ledger deserves a special mention as well as a special tribute as this is one performance that left a mark in the history of cinema. The character of Joker has been played several times in the past but Heath Ledger gave a new dimension to this character. The persistent effort and dedication behind the preparation of this character was so intense that the actor went into depression and eventually committed suicide just after the film’s release. Despite his death, Heath Ledger was awarded the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor that year posthumously.

Well, we have only picked up the list of those characters which outplayed the main lead of the show. However, there are chances that we might have missed your favorite pick in the list above. If that’s the case, then feel free to mention them in the comments section below.

Also, if you liked this list, then feel free to share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking channels.